“The Metamorphosis” is a novella written by Franz Kafka and first published in 1915. It is a surrealistic story that tells the tale of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up one morning to find that he has transformed into a giant insect.
Plot Summary
The novella begins with Gregor Samsa waking up one morning to discover that he has transformed into a giant insect. The story follows Gregor’s attempts to adjust to his new form and his family’s reactions to his transformation. Gregor’s family consists of his father, mother, and younger sister, Grete. His family is horrified by his transformation and they begin to treat him as a burden.
Gregor’s job as a traveling salesman is important to his family, as it is their only source of income. After his transformation, Gregor is unable to work and becomes a prisoner in his own home. His family, who had previously depended on him, now see him as a burden and a source of embarrassment. Gregor’s relationship with his family deteriorates as they begin to resent him.
Throughout the novella, Gregor becomes more isolated from his family and the world around him. He is unable to communicate with his family and is trapped in his own mind. As the story progresses, Gregor becomes weaker and more desperate, eventually dying alone in his room.
The Metamorphosis Characters
- Gregor Samsa: The protagonist of the story, Gregor is a traveling salesman who transforms into a giant insect. He is a kind and hardworking individual who becomes a burden on his family after his transformation.
- Mr. Samsa: Gregor’s father, who is a retired businessman. He becomes hostile towards Gregor after his transformation and blames him for the family’s financial troubles.
- Mrs. Samsa: Gregor’s mother, who is a frail and nervous woman. She is horrified by Gregor’s transformation and becomes physically ill.
- Grete Samsa: Gregor’s younger sister, who initially tries to care for him but eventually becomes resentful towards him.
The Metamorphosis Themes
- Alienation: Gregor’s transformation highlights the theme of alienation as he becomes isolated from his family and the world around him. His transformation also represents the alienation that Kafka felt in his own life.
- Identity: The novella explores the theme of identity as Gregor struggles to come to terms with his new form and his family’s rejection of him. His transformation also highlights the idea that identity is fluid and can change over time.
- Family: The story examines the theme of family as Gregor’s relationship with his family deteriorates after his transformation. The novella also explores the idea of duty to one’s family and the sacrifices that individuals make for their loved ones.
Writing Style
Kafka’s writing style is characterized by its surrealism and attention to detail. He uses vivid imagery to create a world that is both familiar and strange. The novella is also notable for its use of symbolism, with Gregor’s transformation representing the theme of alienation and the loss of identity.
Conclusion
“The Metamorphosis” is a surrealistic novella that explores the themes of alienation, identity, and family. Kafka’s writing style is characterized by its attention to detail and use of vivid imagery. The novella has become a classic of modern literature and continues to be studied and analyzed today.